The Czech Republic attracts immigrants with its stable economy, high standard of living, and opportunities offered by the European Union. Obtaining Czech citizenship grants you EU citizen status with all accompanying rights. Unlike a temporary (residence permit) or permanent residence permit, citizenship provides the full range of rights — from participation in elections and access to social benefits to a Czech passport allowing visa-free travel to 185 countries. While residence permits and permanent residence must be renewed and may impose restrictions (for example, prolonged absence can lead to loss of permanent residence), citizenship is a lifelong status that is difficult to lose. This makes it significantly more advantageous than other residence statuses.

It’s no surprise that Czech citizenship appeals to a wide range of foreigners: entrepreneurs (for the freedom to conduct business throughout the EU), families (for social security and children’s education), students and researchers (for access to European programs), and other immigrants already living in the country or planning to move.

Advantages of Czech Citizenship

Czech citizenship offers a wide range of significant benefits:

• Visa-free travel.
  With a Czech passport, you can visit around 185 countries without a visa, including all EU and Schengen Area states, and enjoy simplified electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) for destinations like Canada and the United States. In the latest Henley Passport Index, the Czech passport ranks among the world’s top 10 strongest, holding 6th place in 2024 with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 189 countries.
• Right to live and work in the EU.
  A Czech citizen automatically becomes a citizen of the European Union. This grants the right to live, work, and conduct business freely in any EU member state, as well as in Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein — without the need for additional permits. For instance, no work visas are required for employment in another EU country.
• Social security and education.
  Citizens are entitled to full social protection, including public healthcare, pensions, and various benefits and allowances. Citizenship also brings educational advantages — studies at Czech public universities are free or significantly cheaper for citizens compared to foreign students. Similarly, in many EU countries, citizens of other EU states study under the same favorable conditions as locals, which is much more affordable than tuition for third-country nationals.
• Financial and legal advantages.
  Citizenship makes it easier to open accounts in European banks and obtain loans on favorable terms (some types of credit are not available to non-residents). Citizens face no restrictions on the length of their stay and are not dependent on visa renewals or residence permits. They also enjoy full political rights — the ability to vote, participate in referendums, and run for public office. Citizenship is automatically passed on to children: a child born to a Czech citizen automatically acquires Czech citizenship, regardless of the place of birth.

It is worth noting that, according to immigrants who have gone through the naturalization process, the main drawbacks are the long waiting period (applications are processed for about six months) and the requirement of extended residence in the country before applying. However, these temporary inconveniences are far outweighed by the long-term benefits of Czech citizenship.

Find out details about applying for an EU passport at a free consultation

Fill out the simple form and an immigration lawyer will contact you shortly

Free Consultation

Who Can Apply for Czech Citizenship

The following categories of individuals are eligible to obtain Czech citizenship:

• Children born to Czech citizens.
  Under the jus sanguinis (“right of blood”) principle, a child automatically acquires Czech citizenship if at least one parent is a Czech citizen. The place of birth does not matter — even if the child is born abroad, they inherit citizenship by descent. If only the father is Czech and the parents are not married, paternity must be officially established (for example, through a certificate or DNA test).
• Persons born in the Czech Republic.
  Birth in the Czech Republic alone does not automatically grant citizenship (jus soli is limited). Children of foreign parents born on Czech territory do not receive citizenship automatically. However, the law provides exceptions to prevent statelessness. For instance, a child born in the Czech Republic to stateless parents or to parents unable to pass on their citizenship may be granted Czech citizenship under special circumstances. These cases are rare, but it is important to understand that simply giving birth in the Czech Republic does not make a child a Czech citizen if the parents are foreigners without Czech nationality.
• Descendants of Czech citizens (repatriation).
  A simplified path is available for descendants of former Czech (historically Czechoslovak) citizens who lost their citizenship in the past. Under the Citizenship Act, children and grandchildren of former Czech citizens have the right to reclaim citizenship by declaration. Moreover, legislative amendments in 2019 and 2024 extended eligibility to descendants up to the fourth generation (great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren of Czech emigrants). This provision aims to correct historical injustices faced by those who left the country during the Nazi or communist eras. To obtain citizenship by descent, applicants must prove their lineage — for example, with birth or marriage certificates and documents confirming the ancestor’s Czech citizenship. The repatriation process is much simpler than naturalization: it does not require long-term residence or exams, but it does demand thorough documentation and genealogical evidence.
• Foreigners with permanent residence (naturalization).
  This is the most common route. Naturalization grants citizenship to foreigners who meet certain conditions — long-term legal residence, integration into Czech society, language proficiency, and stable income. Generally, applicants can file for citizenship after at least 10 years of legal residence in the country (first under a temporary residence permit, then permanent residence). This path is described in more detail in the next section.
• Spouses of Czech citizens.
  Marriage to a Czech citizen does not automatically grant citizenship to the foreign spouse. However, it can shorten the naturalization process and reduce the residence requirements. Typically, the applicant must have been in a valid marriage for at least 5 years and have lived in the Czech Republic for at least 3 years under a residence or permanent residence permit. In other words, the foreign spouse can apply under an accelerated procedure if the marriage is long-term and the person is well integrated (has permanent residence, employment, and Czech language skills). Standard requirements still apply — language proficiency, clean criminal record, and proof of integration. Authorities also verify that the couple lives together and maintains a shared household; sham marriages or long-term separations provide no advantage. A common question: Does marriage automatically grant a Czech passport? No — all eligibility criteria must still be met, though the timeframe for spouses is shorter.
• Investors and entrepreneurs.
  The Czech Republic does not have a “citizenship-by-investment” program. In other words, it is impossible to “buy” Czech citizenship in 2026 — not through property purchases or investments in government funds. However, wealthy foreigners can obtain residence permits through business or investment activities, which makes relocation easier. After meeting residence requirements, they can apply for citizenship via the standard naturalization route. The country offers transparent business conditions and tax advantages, but its passport can only be obtained after full integration and residence. Misconceptions about “buying citizenship” often arise due to such programs in Caribbean nations, but the Czech Republic does not offer this option.
• Exceptional contribution to the state.
  In rare cases, citizenship may be granted outside standard rules for outstanding merit — for example, to distinguished scientists, athletes, artists, or individuals who have made significant contributions to the Czech Republic. Such cases are decided individually by the government or the president. Applicants usually need letters of recommendation from reputable individuals or organizations supporting their achievements. This is essentially honorary citizenship, exempt from typical requirements like residence or exams. Similarly, a few foreign nationals who serve in the Czech armed forces and display exceptional bravery may theoretically be granted expedited citizenship by decision of the authorities. However, the Czech Republic has no formal “military service naturalization” program (unlike, for example, the French Foreign Legion), so this route remains exceptional.

In summary, the most realistic paths for most applicants are citizenship by descent (for those with Czech roots) or citizenship by naturalization (through long-term residence and integration).

If you are planning to move to or already reside in the Czech Republic, don’t miss the opportunity to secure citizenship and enjoy all the benefits of an EU passport. Submit a request for a consultation — we will help assess your chances and guide you through the first steps.

Ways to Obtain Czech Citizenship

The main paths to acquiring Czech nationality are: by birth, by descent, through naturalization, by marriage, via investment (indirectly), and for exceptional merit. Let’s look at each option in detail.

Citizenship by Birth (Right of Blood)

If at least one parent is a Czech citizen at the time of a child’s birth, the child automatically becomes a Czech citizen — regardless of the place of birth. For example, a child born to a Czech mother in Canada will still acquire Czech citizenship by descent. The only requirement is to register the birth and citizenship at a Czech consulate.

If the father is a Czech citizen and the mother is a foreign national not married to him, paternity must be officially established (via notarized declaration, court decision, or DNA test). Once paternity is confirmed, the child is recognized as a Czech citizen from birth.

However, being born in the Czech Republic does not automatically grant citizenship if both parents are foreigners — the country does not follow full jus soli (right of soil), as is common in most EU states. Exceptions exist to prevent statelessness: for example, if a newborn’s parents are stateless or unknown, or if they cannot pass on their citizenship, the child may be granted Czech citizenship by birth. In general, citizenship by birthplace is rare in the Czech Republic.

Citizenship by Descent (Repatriation by Ancestry)

This route is intended for descendants of people who previously held Czech or Czechoslovak citizenship. The Citizenship Act allows such individuals to reclaim citizenship by declaration (dokument o nabytí státního občanství). Eligible applicants include:

• Former citizens of the Czech Republic (or Czechoslovakia) who lost their citizenship before January 1, 2014.
• Children and grandchildren of those who lost Czech citizenship.
• (After the 2024 amendment) Great-grandchildren and descendants up to the fourth generation of Czech emigrants who fled totalitarian regimes of the 20th century.

Applicants must prove their Czech lineage through documents such as family birth and marriage certificates, archival records confirming their ancestor’s Czechoslovak citizenship, and details about how it was lost. If an ancestor lost citizenship for political reasons (e.g., emigration, Benes decrees, etc.), descendants qualify for simplified citizenship restoration.

Applications are submitted by declaration through a Czech consulate or the Ministry of the Interior. The process does not require residence in the Czech Republic or a language exam, and decisions usually take several months.

Example: An Argentine citizen whose grandfather emigrated from Czechoslovakia in 1948 can claim Czech citizenship by descent. They must provide documents proving ancestry — such as the grandfather’s birth record, emigration documents, and their own birth certificate — and submit a declaration via the Czech consulate. Once approved, they receive a Czech passport. Repatriation programs aim to reconnect the country with its diaspora and correct historical injustices.

Citizenship by Naturalization (Long-Term Residence)

Naturalization is the most common path for foreigners without Czech roots. It allows long-term residents who are integrated into Czech society to apply for citizenship once they meet the necessary requirements.

Standard criteria for naturalization include:

• Long-term residence: At least 10 years of legal residence in the Czech Republic, including several years under a temporary residence permit and at least 5 years with permanent residence. EU citizens may apply after about 5 years of residence (3 years with permanent status). Refugees may apply after 6 years, and spouses of Czech citizens under a faster track (typically around 3 years with permanent residence after 5 years of marriage).
• Continuous residence: Applicants must live in the Czech Republic most of the time. Absences longer than 2 consecutive months or totaling more than 10 months over 5 years may interrupt eligibility. Exceptions exist for justified reasons (study, work assignment, illness, pregnancy, etc.), up to 6 months of consecutive absence.
• Clean criminal record: Applicants must have no serious criminal convictions or major administrative offenses. Authorities verify the last 10 years of one’s record and require police certificates from the Czech Republic and all countries of residence since age 15. Serious crimes or past deportations may lead to denial.
• Financial independence: Applicants must prove stable income for at least the last 3 years and no reliance on social benefits. Tax clearance certificates and statements from social insurance offices confirming no outstanding debts are required. Financial insolvency or dependence on state aid can result in rejection.
• Proof of housing: Applicants must show they have a place to live — ownership documents or a long-term lease agreement, plus an official proof of residence (address registration).
• Integration and language proficiency: Czech language knowledge at B1 level is mandatory, verified through an accredited exam. Applicants must also pass a civics and culture test covering the Czech Constitution, history, and society. Exemptions apply to children under 15, seniors over 65, graduates of Czech schools, and individuals with verified disabilities.
• Loyalty and civic integrity: Applicants must declare their respect for Czech laws and democratic values. While this is largely formal, authorities can deny citizenship if there are signs of anti-state activity or extremist affiliations.

Once all conditions are met, foreigners may apply for Czech citizenship through naturalization — the most common route to acquiring a Czech passport.

Check your chances of getting an EU passport through a simplified procedure

Sign up for a free consultation to learn more from the experts at Mycitizenagency as soon as possible

Free Consultation

Citizenship by Marriage to a Czech Citizen

Technically, this is a simplified form of naturalization rather than a separate category. Marriage does not automatically grant citizenship but significantly reduces residence requirements.

Conditions for spouses:

• Must be married to a Czech citizen for at least 5 years.
• Must have lived in the Czech Republic for at least 3 years (usually with permanent residence).
• Must meet standard criteria — clean record, sufficient income, and Czech language proficiency.

In practice, a foreign spouse typically receives a family-based residence permit, then permanent residence after about 2 years, and can apply for citizenship after roughly 5–6 years total (5 years of marriage and 3 years of permanent residence).

Authorities verify that the marriage is genuine — for example, by confirming joint residence, shared finances, or children. The same rules apply to same-sex marriages or registered partnerships, which the Czech Republic recognizes if concluded abroad.

Citizenship through Investment (Indirect Route)

Currently, the Czech Republic does not offer direct citizenship-by-investment programs. There are no schemes allowing foreigners to acquire a passport simply by investing in the economy.

However, investors can obtain long-term residence permits (business or investor visas) or residency for financially independent individuals. These allow relocation and business operations in the country, but citizenship must still be earned through regular residence and integration over time.

In short, investment can facilitate residence and permanent status — but not citizenship. Be cautious of offers claiming to “sell” Czech passports; such programs are fraudulent.

Citizenship for Exceptional Merit

In rare cases, the Czech government may grant citizenship for extraordinary contributions to the state, bypassing standard requirements. Decisions are made individually by the Ministry of the Interior with government or presidential approval.

Examples include:

• A distinguished scientist making groundbreaking discoveries while working in the Czech Republic.
• A renowned athlete representing the country in international competitions.
• An acclaimed artist or cultural figure associated with Czech achievements.
• A major investor or entrepreneur who has created substantial jobs or innovation in the country.
• A foreigner who risked their life to help the Czech Republic in a critical situation.

Applicants must provide letters of recommendation from recognized organizations or ministries supporting their case. In approved cases, requirements such as residence duration or language exams may be waived entirely.

That said, this path is exceptionally rare — only a few individuals receive such citizenship each year. Those who believe they qualify should consult the relevant ministry (e.g., Education for scientists, Sports for athletes) to determine if a nomination is possible.

In conclusion, while Czech citizenship is attainable through several legal routes, the most common and reliable paths remain naturalization (for long-term residents) and repatriation (for descendants of Czech citizens).

Procedure for Obtaining Czech Citizenship

How does the process of acquiring Czech citizenship actually work? It consists of several stages that an applicant must go through. Here’s how the procedure unfolds step by step:

1. Assessment of Eligibility and Preparation

First, an immigrant determines the basis on which they plan to apply (naturalization, marriage, descent, etc.). At this stage, it’s crucial to verify that all requirements are met — sufficient years of residence, possession of permanent residency (PR), and completion of required exams (such as the Czech language test). It’s strongly recommended to consult an immigration lawyer to review your situation: check for any potential obstacles (criminal records, debts), ensure you can prove continuous residence, and confirm all documents are valid. This is essentially a pre-screening stage to prevent rejection due to missing qualifications.

2. Collecting the Required Documents

This is the most time-consuming step. You must gather a complete set of documents for submission. The standard list includes:

• A valid passport.
• Biometric photographs.
• Birth certificate (and marriage certificate, if applicable).
• Resume or brief autobiography.
• Residence documents (long-term or permanent residence cards).
• Police clearance certificates (from the Czech Republic and any country lived in for more than six months since age 15).
• Proof of income and tax payments.
• Proof of accommodation (lease contract or property ownership extract).
• Certificate of Czech language proficiency (level B1).
• Certificate of passing the civics exam.
• Payment receipt for the state fee.

Additional documents depend on the application type — for marriage: marriage certificate; for descent: documents confirming family citizenship; for exceptional merit: recommendation letters and proof of achievements. All foreign documents must be translated into Czech and legalized (apostille or consular legalization). Missing paperwork is one of the most common causes of refusal, so creating a detailed checklist and providing notarized copies is essential.

3. Submitting the Application

Applications are submitted in the Czech Republic to the Ministry of the Interior (Department for Citizenship and Migration Affairs) at the applicant’s place of residence. In many cases, local municipal offices (magistrát) accept submissions on behalf of the Ministry. The application is completed in Czech on an official form.

A state fee must be paid — CZK 2,000 (≈ €82) in 2025. Applications are generally submitted in person (online filing is not yet available) since original documents and signatures are required. Upon submission, you’ll receive a confirmation of receipt. Note that only permanent residents (holders of PR cards) can apply — those with only temporary residence are not eligible.

4. Review and Verification Process

Once submitted, the review process begins. The Ministry of the Interior examines your file and verifies all information. They request background checks from the police, tax authorities, and security services. Officials assess your integration level, residence history, and compliance with Czech laws. In some cases, you may be contacted to clarify details or provide additional documents. Occasionally, applicants are invited to an interview, where they may be asked about their motivation for obtaining citizenship or basic questions about life in the Czech Republic (especially if language proficiency is in doubt). By law, the Ministry must issue a decision within 180 days (about six months) from the date of submission. In practice, many decisions are made within 3–4 months, though complex cases may take longer if additional checks are needed. The application status can be tracked via the Ministry’s online portal or by contacting the office directly.

5. Decision on Citizenship

After review, the Ministry issues a decision — approval or denial. Applicants are notified in writing.

• If approved, the letter will include details on when and where you can take the oath of allegiance.
• If denied, the letter will specify the reason (e.g., insufficient residence period, missing exam, false information).

Can you appeal a refusal? Yes — rejections can be appealed through the Administrative Court of the Czech Republic within 15 days of receiving the decision. However, if the refusal is based on national security grounds, it cannot be appealed. In other cases, with the help of a lawyer, you may challenge the decision or reapply later once the issue is resolved.

6. Oath of Allegiance

If citizenship is granted, the final step is the citizenship oath ceremony, a short official event held at the local municipality or prefecture. During the ceremony, new citizens pledge loyalty to the Czech Republic and its Constitution. The oath is given in Czech (the text will be provided). After the ceremony, you officially become a Czech citizen and receive a Certificate of Acquisition of Citizenship (naturalization certificate).

7. Obtaining the Passport and ID Documents

With your citizenship certificate, you can apply for your Czech national ID (občanský průkaz) and passport. Both are issued to citizens through standard procedures. The fees are approximately CZK 600 (€25) for the passport and CZK 200–500 (€8–20) for the ID card. Within a few weeks, you’ll receive your first Czech passport.

Processing Time: from application submission to receiving your passport, the process usually takes 8–12 months — around 6 months for review and several more weeks for the oath and document issuance. However, the full naturalization journey — from first residence in the Czech Republic to citizenship — typically spans 10 years or more.

If you’re already preparing to apply but are uncertain about specific requirements or fear rejection, it’s best not to risk it. Book a consultation — we’ll review your documents, help strengthen your case, and guide you through every step until you receive your Czech passport.

Requirements for Obtaining Czech Citizenship

Some of these have been mentioned already, but here’s a concise, visual checklist. To qualify for Czech citizenship, a foreign applicant must meet the following conditions:

• Permanent residence (PR) and sufficient length of stay.
  You must hold Czech permanent residence and have lived in the country for at least 5 years on PR (or a total of 10 years of lawful stay including time on long-term residence). For EU citizens, 3 years on PR may suffice. Timeframes can be reduced for spouses of Czech citizens (typically to ~3 years on PR) or for refugees (6 years of total residence). In all cases, substantial and continuous physical presence in the Czech Republic is required.
• Actual residence without long interruptions.
  Long absences are not allowed during the qualifying period. Short trips are fine, but generally no more than 2 months consecutively and ~10 months total over 5 years. Justified absences (study, business travel, medical treatment, pregnancy) may last longer — up to 6 consecutive months, with documentation. Breaking continuity (e.g., leaving for a year without valid reason) resets your residence clock.
• Czech language proficiency.
  You must demonstrate Czech at B1 level via the state citizenship exam, covering listening, speaking, reading, and writing. B1 means handling most everyday and work conversations and writing simple, coherent texts. The exam is held several times a year at authorized centers (e.g., Charles University), and costs about €150. Exemptions: children under 15, adults over 65, those educated in Czech (≥3 years), and applicants with certified medical conditions preventing language study.
• Knowledge of Czech history and society.
  In addition to language, you must pass a civics test on basic history, culture, geography, and the political system (public holidays and symbols, branches of government, key historical events, administrative structure, rights and duties). It’s usually a written multiple-choice test with official prep materials available. Exemptions mirror the language test (children, seniors, Czech-educated, certain disabilities). Others must pass it.
• Clean criminal record and compliance.
  You need police clearances from the Czech Republic and, if you have lived in the country less than 10 years, also from your country of citizenship (and any other country where you lived long-term). Minor fines (e.g., parking) don’t count; criminal convictions do and may lead to refusal. Authorities also review immigration compliance (no overstays, illegal work, prior deportations). Such violations weigh heavily against approval.
• Financial self-sufficiency and tax compliance.
  You must prove lawful income sufficient to live in the Czech Republic without social assistance. Typically, you provide proof of income for the last 3 years (salary statements, tax returns, bank statements, proof of self-employment). Officials check for no debts to the state (taxes, social insurance, unpaid fines/utilities). Applicants must be up to date on taxes and fees; outstanding liabilities can be grounds for refusal.
• Housing (registered address).
  You must have a Czech address. Provide a lease agreement or property ownership document, and ensure you are officially registered at that address in the Ministry’s database. Without a registered address, your application will not be accepted.
• Law-abiding conduct and integration.
  You affirm adherence to Czech legal and democratic norms and the Constitution. While “integration” is hard to quantify, it’s assessed indirectly: completion of integration courses, community participation, absence of police issues, language knowledge, etc. Meeting the concrete criteria above effectively evidences integration.
• No requirement to renounce other citizenship (with rare exceptions).
  Since 2014, the Czech Republic permits dual citizenship. You do not need to give up your current nationality when naturalizing in Czechia. However, if your home country does not allow dual citizenship, you must decide whether to keep or renounce it (e.g., historically Germany required renunciation, though rules are being eased; China and India do not recognize dual citizenship). Czechia itself has no objection to your holding a second passport.

Overall, these requirements cover the main criteria. If you meet them, your chances of approval are high. Each case is reviewed individually, and officials may consider the totality of circumstances. In rare instances, citizenship may be granted despite minor deviations (e.g., slightly under 10 years of residence coupled with outstanding integration), but you should not rely on leniency — it’s best to meet the letter of the law.

Timeframe and Cost of Obtaining Czech Citizenship

How long does it take to become a Czech citizen? Counting from the time of relocation, the process is lengthy: typically, a foreigner must live in the country for at least 10 years before applying. Some may qualify sooner — for example, spouses of Czech citizens or EU nationals (about 5–7 years), and refugees (6 years). For most applicants, a realistic estimate is roughly a decade, making the Czech Republic one of the EU’s slower paths to citizenship.

Once the application is submitted, the review process takes up to six months (180 days by law). In more complex cases, it may extend to a year. On average, according to applicants’ feedback, a decision is issued after about six months. Adding another month or two for the oath ceremony and passport issuance, the entire process from submission to receiving the passport usually takes around eight months. So, if you already hold permanent residence and meet all the criteria, the final step to your passport is less than a year away.

The total financial outlay for the citizenship path includes several stages:

• Residence and PR applications. Each residence stage is subject to fees. Long-term D visa (for entry): ~€100 (~2,500 CZK). Residence card (long-term stay): ~€150 (~3,700 CZK). Permanent residence (PR) card: ~€200 (~5,000 CZK)
• Exams and translations. Czech language B1 exam: ~€150. Civics exam: ~€50. Certified translations of foreign documents: ~€10–15 per page. Notarized copies: ~€5 per page. Translation and certification of a full document set can easily total several hundred euros, depending on the file volume.
• Citizenship application fee: 2,000 CZK (~€80–82) per application. For children under 15 applying with parents, the fee may be reduced or waived entirely.
• Passport and ID issuance. Czech passport: ~600 CZK (€25). National ID card: ~200 CZK (€8).
• Miscellaneous expenses. Medical certificates (~500 CZK), photos (~100–200 CZK), postage, etc.

Altogether, mandatory administrative costs (excluding optional language courses) from residence to citizenship generally total around €500–700.

Note: Prices are approximate as of 2024–2025; exchange rates and administrative fees may vary. Always confirm current rates before applying.

Summary:
⏱ Timeline: ~10 years of residence + ~1 year of administration = ≈11 years total.
💶 Cost: roughly €700–800 in direct official fees.

The result, however — an EU passport with the rights and freedoms of Czech and European citizenship — is, as they say, priceless.

Dual Citizenship: Can You Keep Two Passports?

Since 2014, the Czech Republic has officially allowed dual citizenship. This means that foreigners obtaining a Czech passport are not required to renounce their original nationality. In the past, applicants had to give up their prior citizenship, but this rule no longer applies — you may hold Czech citizenship as a second one. The Czech Republic recognizes multiple citizenships and treats naturalized individuals fully as Czech citizens without forcing them to “cut ties” with their home country.

However, you must take into account the laws of your country of origin. While Czechia is liberal toward dual citizenship, not all countries permit it. If your home country requires you to renounce citizenship upon acquiring a foreign one, you will have to address this independently. The Czech authorities do not notify other governments of your new citizenship. In practice, you can be a citizen of two (or more) countries simultaneously — but note that within Czechia, you will be recognized only as a Czech citizen, and in a country that bans dual citizenship, you may not be able to claim Czech protection.

Example 1: Russia formally allows dual citizenship but requires citizens to notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs about it. In 2025, due to geopolitical developments, Czechia introduced stricter rules for Russian applicants: new applicants from Russia must provide proof of renunciation of Russian citizenship before receiving Czech citizenship. Those who already hold both Czech and Russian passports do not have to renounce Russian citizenship. This requirement applies only to new applicants and is a security measure, reflecting how dual citizenship policy can depend on diplomatic relations.

Example 2: German citizens, on the other hand, can now keep their German passports when acquiring Czech citizenship because Germany recently relaxed its stance on dual citizenship for EU nationals.

In general, dual citizenship is both legal and common among naturalized Czechs. According to government statistics, thousands of new citizens retain their original passports each year. The state’s position is flexible: you can declare your wish to keep your previous citizenship when applying, and this will not affect your eligibility or the outcome. The main point is to comply with the laws and obligations of both countries whose citizenships you hold. If your other country does not permit dual citizenship, you must make a choice.

Practical Tips and Common Mistakes

Czech citizenship offers full EU rights — security, freedom of movement, and equality with native citizens. Yet the path to it is long and requires patience and precision. Applicants should avoid common pitfalls that often lead to refusals, such as:

• Relying solely on marriage without meeting residence and integration requirements.
• Submitting incomplete or expired documents.
• Concealing information that will later surface during background checks.
• Neglecting the language and civics exams.

An incomplete file is one of the most frequent reasons for rejection. Violating residence conditions (e.g., long unreported absences abroad) can also reset your residence period. Another common mistake is applying exactly on the minimum qualifying date — it’s wiser to wait a few extra months to ensure compliance rather than risk rejection for being a few days short.

We recommend starting preparation well in advance: evaluate your eligibility, consult a migration lawyer if needed, improve your Czech language to at least B1 level, and gather all required documentation early (some certificates take time to issue). Double-check that you meet all requirements — if you’re lacking in income proof, language skills, or residency duration, address those first. Sometimes waiting a few additional months is far better than appealing a rejection later.

If you’re uncertain how to start your Czech citizenship journey or want to minimize the risk of refusal, it’s best to seek professional legal guidance. Our experts can help you choose the most efficient path, prepare a strong application package, and accompany you through the entire process — all the way to receiving your Czech passport.

Frequently Asked Questions about Czech Citizenship

We have compiled answers to the most common questions about obtaining Czech citizenship. If you did not find the information you were looking for or want to learn more about the requirements, timelines, and benefits of Czech passport, contact us for a free consultation.

Can I apply for Czech citizenship if I once overstayed my residence permit?

An overstay may affect the continuity of residence. If your absence or gap exceeded the allowed limit, your qualifying residence period may restart from zero. It’s best to seek a legal consultation before applying.

Does studying at a Czech university count toward the residence period for citizenship?

Yes, time spent legally in the Czech Republic on a student visa or residence permit counts, but only at half value. For example, 4 years of study are counted as 2 years toward citizenship eligibility.

Can I obtain Czech citizenship if I live in another EU country but have Czech ancestry?

Yes. If you are a descendant of a Czech citizen, you may apply for citizenship through repatriation without residing in the Czech Republic. The key requirement is to prove your Czech origin with valid documents.

Do I have to change my name or surname when obtaining a Czech passport?

No, changing your name is not mandatory. However, your name will be transliterated into Czech according to official spelling rules when it appears in Czech documents and your passport.

Is there a test on the Czech Constitution?

Yes — applicants must take a civics test covering the basics of Czech governance, history, and culture. It’s not exclusively about the Constitution, but includes its fundamental principles and citizens’ rights.

Can I be denied citizenship if I have business debts or unpaid social contributions?

Yes. Tax or social insurance debts are one of the most common reasons for refusal. All debts must be fully settled before submitting your application.

Can I apply for Czech citizenship online?

Not entirely. The application must be submitted in person at the Ministry of the Interior or an authorized municipal office, since original documents, signatures, and biometric data are required. However, after submission, you can track your application status online on the Ministry’s website. Some forms can be downloaded in advance, but personal attendance is mandatory for the official submission.